Page 231 - New Medley 4 Semester 1

Adaptations in aquatic plants

Aquatic plants are of three types – free-

floating, fixed-floating and submerged plants.

Adaptations in free-floating plants

Free-floating aquatic plants are small, light
and spongy. They have air-filled spaces

between the cells which help them to float
in water. The roots of these plants do not Water lettuce Duckweed
Free-floating aquatic plants
reach the soil on the waterbed.
Water lettuce, duckweed and Knowledge Zone

water hyacinth are some free- The leaves of aquatic plants have a coating of wax
floating aquatic plants. which prevents them from rotting in water.

Adaptations in fixed-floating plants

Fixed-floating aquatic plants have hollow and
light-weight stems to help them float. Their

leaves are broad. The stomata are present only
on the upper surface of the leaves. They have

long roots and are rooted to the soil on the
waterbed. Lotus and waterlily are common
Lotus
Water lily
fixed-floating aquatic plants. Fixed-floating aquatic plants
Adaptations in submerged aquatic plants

Submerged aquatic plants grow completely
under water. Their leaves are long and

tapered which are not affected by the

force of flowing water. They do not have
stomata. Exchange of gases for breathing
and photosynthesis takes place through

the surface of the plant body. They use

carbon dioxide dissolved in water for
photosynthesis and release oxygen into Tape grass Hydrilla
water. Hydrilla and tape grass are common Submerged aquatic plants

submerged aquatic plants.

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